Stage Pages
Reading list · 87 plays

Plays Banned or Controversial at Their Premieres

Many of the plays now considered foundational provoked, on first appearance, lawsuits, picketing, censorship, or outright bans. The list below collects scripts in our archive whose first audiences were notably less placid than their current academic reputation would suggest.

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  1. Lady Windermere's Fan

    by Oscar Wilde · 1900 · Drama

    Lady Windermere's Fan (first published 1900) is a stage play by Oscar Wilde, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  2. The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People

    by Oscar Wilde · 1900 · Comedy

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, The Importance of Being Earnest: A Trivial Comedy for Serious People by Oscar Wilde (first published 1900) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close…

  3. A Woman of No Importance

    by Oscar Wilde · 1900 · Drama

    Written by Oscar Wilde (first published 1900), A Woman of No Importance stands as one of the durable works of Realism & Naturalism, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

  4. The Duchess of Padua

    by Oscar Wilde · 1900 · Tragedy

    The Duchess of Padua (first published 1900) is a stage play by Oscar Wilde, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  5. An Ideal Husband

    by Oscar Wilde · 1900 · Drama

    Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband (first published 1900) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  6. Misalliance

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Written by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950), Misalliance stands as one of the durable works of Realism & Naturalism, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

  7. Riders to the Sea

    by J. M. (John Millington) Synge · 1909 · One-Act Play

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, Riders to the Sea by J. M. (John Millington) Synge (first published 1909) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold staging.

  8. The Dark Lady of the Sonnets

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, The Dark Lady of the Sonnets by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold staging.

  9. Mrs. Warren's Profession

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, Mrs. Warren's Profession by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold staging.

  10. The Playboy of the Western World: A Comedy in Three Acts

    by J. M. (John Millington) Synge · 1909 · Comedy

    J. M. (John Millington) Synge's The Playboy of the Western World: A Comedy in Three Acts (first published 1909) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters…

  11. The Well of the Saints: A Comedy in Three Acts

    by J. M. (John Millington) Synge · 1909 · Comedy

    Written by J. M. (John Millington) Synge (first published 1909), The Well of the Saints: A Comedy in Three Acts stands as one of the durable works of Realism & Naturalism, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes…

  12. A Florentine Tragedy; La Sainte Courtisane

    by Oscar Wilde · 1900 · Tragedy

    A Florentine Tragedy; La Sainte Courtisane (first published 1900) is a stage play by Oscar Wilde, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  13. The Tinker's Wedding

    by J. M. (John Millington) Synge · 1909 · Drama

    The Tinker's Wedding (first published 1909) is a stage play by J. M. (John Millington) Synge, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  14. In the Shadow of the Glen

    by J. M. (John Millington) Synge · 1909 · One-Act Play

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, In the Shadow of the Glen by J. M. (John Millington) Synge (first published 1909) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and…

  15. Deirdre of the Sorrows

    by J. M. (John Millington) Synge · 1909 · Drama

    Deirdre of the Sorrows (first published 1909) is a stage play by J. M. (John Millington) Synge, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  16. You Never Can Tell

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    You Never Can Tell (first published 1950) is a stage play by Bernard Shaw, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  17. Rosmersholm

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    Henrik Ibsen's Rosmersholm (first published 1906) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  18. Pillars of Society

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    Henrik Ibsen's Pillars of Society (first published 1906) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  19. An Enemy of the People

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    A defining work of Romantic Drama, An Enemy of the People by Henrik Ibsen (first published 1906) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold staging.

  20. Ghosts: A Domestic Tragedy in Three Acts

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Tragedy

    Ghosts: A Domestic Tragedy in Three Acts (first published 1906) is a stage play by Henrik Ibsen, a touchstone of the Romantic Drama repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  21. A Doll's House : a play

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    A Doll's House : a play (first published 1906) is a stage play by Henrik Ibsen, a touchstone of the Romantic Drama repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  22. The Lady from the Sea

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    Henrik Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea (first published 1906) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  23. Man and Superman: A Comedy and a Philosophy

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Comedy

    Written by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950), Man and Superman: A Comedy and a Philosophy stands as one of the durable works of Realism & Naturalism, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

  24. Caesar and Cleopatra

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Written by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950), Caesar and Cleopatra stands as one of the durable works of Realism & Naturalism, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

  25. Captain Brassbound's Conversion

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, Captain Brassbound's Conversion by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold staging.

  26. O'Flaherty V.C.: A Recruiting Pamphlet

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Bernard Shaw's O'Flaherty V.C.: A Recruiting Pamphlet (first published 1950) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  27. Annajanska, the Bolshevik Empress

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · One-Act Play

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, Annajanska, the Bolshevik Empress by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold staging.

  28. The Inca of Perusalem: An Almost Historical Comedietta

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Comedy

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, The Inca of Perusalem: An Almost Historical Comedietta by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold…

  29. Augustus Does His Bit: A True-to-Life Farce

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Farce

    Augustus Does His Bit: A True-to-Life Farce (first published 1950) is a stage play by Bernard Shaw, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  30. Great Catherine (Whom Glory Still Adores)

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Great Catherine (Whom Glory Still Adores) (first published 1950) is a stage play by Bernard Shaw, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  31. Heartbreak House

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Heartbreak House (first published 1950) is a stage play by Bernard Shaw, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  32. How He Lied to Her Husband

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    How He Lied to Her Husband (first published 1950) is a stage play by Bernard Shaw, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  33. John Bull's Other Island

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    John Bull's Other Island (first published 1950) is a stage play by Bernard Shaw, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  34. Arms and the Man

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, Arms and the Man by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold staging.

  35. The Devil's Disciple

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    The Devil's Disciple (first published 1950) is a stage play by Bernard Shaw, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  36. Major Barbara

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Major Barbara (first published 1950) is a stage play by Bernard Shaw, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  37. Pygmalion

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Written by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950), Pygmalion stands as one of the durable works of Realism & Naturalism, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

  38. Overruled

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Overruled (first published 1950) is a stage play by Bernard Shaw, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  39. Androcles and the Lion

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Bernard Shaw's Androcles and the Lion (first published 1950) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  40. Candida

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Bernard Shaw's Candida (first published 1950) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  41. The Man of Destiny

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Bernard Shaw's The Man of Destiny (first published 1950) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  42. The Master Builder

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    The Master Builder (first published 1906) is a stage play by Henrik Ibsen, a touchstone of the Romantic Drama repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  43. Hedda Gabler

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    Written by Henrik Ibsen (first published 1906), Hedda Gabler stands as one of the durable works of Romantic Drama, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

  44. When We Dead Awaken

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Drama

    Henrik Ibsen's When We Dead Awaken (first published 1906) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  45. There Are Crimes and Crimes

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · Verse Drama

    Written by August Strindberg (first published 1912), There Are Crimes and Crimes stands as one of the durable works of Romantic Drama, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

  46. Plays by August Strindberg: Creditors. Pariah.

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · Verse Drama

    August Strindberg's Plays by August Strindberg: Creditors. Pariah. (first published 1912) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  47. The Doctor's Dilemma

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    The Doctor's Dilemma (first published 1950) is a stage play by Bernard Shaw, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  48. The Philanderer

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Bernard Shaw's The Philanderer (first published 1950) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  49. Getting Married

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Bernard Shaw's Getting Married (first published 1950) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  50. Fanny's First Play

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Bernard Shaw's Fanny's First Play (first published 1950) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  51. The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Bernard Shaw's The Shewing-up of Blanco Posnet (first published 1950) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  52. Press Cuttings

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Bernard Shaw's Press Cuttings (first published 1950) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  53. Early Plays — Catiline, the Warrior's Barrow, Olaf Liljekrans

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    Early Plays — Catiline, the Warrior's Barrow, Olaf Liljekrans (first published 1906) is a stage play by Henrik Ibsen, a touchstone of the Romantic Drama repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  54. Master Olof: A Drama in Five Acts

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · History Play

    August Strindberg's Master Olof: A Drama in Five Acts (first published 1912) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  55. Little Eyolf

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Drama

    Henrik Ibsen's Little Eyolf (first published 1906) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  56. Ghosts

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Tragedy

    Ghosts (first published 1906) is a stage play by Henrik Ibsen, a touchstone of the Romantic Drama repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  57. Plays: the Father; Countess Julie; the Outlaw; the Stronger

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · Verse Drama

    August Strindberg's Plays: the Father; Countess Julie; the Outlaw; the Stronger (first published 1912) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  58. Plays: Comrades; Facing Death; Pariah; Easter

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · Verse Drama

    Written by August Strindberg (first published 1912), Plays: Comrades; Facing Death; Pariah; Easter stands as one of the durable works of Romantic Drama, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

  59. Lucky Pehr

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · Drama

    Lucky Pehr (first published 1912) is a stage play by August Strindberg, a touchstone of the Romantic Drama repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  60. The Road to Damascus, a Trilogy

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · Verse Drama

    August Strindberg's The Road to Damascus, a Trilogy (first published 1912) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  61. Back to Methuselah: A Metabiological Pentateuch

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    Written by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950), Back to Methuselah: A Metabiological Pentateuch stands as one of the durable works of Realism & Naturalism, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

  62. Plays by August Strindberg, Second series

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · Verse Drama

    Plays by August Strindberg, Second series (first published 1912) is a stage play by August Strindberg, a touchstone of the Romantic Drama repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  63. A Doll's House

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    Written by Henrik Ibsen (first published 1906), A Doll's House stands as one of the durable works of Romantic Drama, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

  64. The Feast at Solhoug

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Drama

    Henrik Ibsen's The Feast at Solhoug (first published 1906) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  65. Love's Comedy

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Comedy

    Love's Comedy (first published 1906) is a stage play by Henrik Ibsen, a touchstone of the Romantic Drama repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  66. John Gabriel Borkman

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    Written by Henrik Ibsen (first published 1906), John Gabriel Borkman stands as one of the durable works of Romantic Drama, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

  67. Lady Inger of Ostrat: Henrik Ibsen's Prose Dramas Vol III

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    Lady Inger of Ostrat: Henrik Ibsen's Prose Dramas Vol III (first published 1906) is a stage play by Henrik Ibsen, a touchstone of the Romantic Drama repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  68. The Vikings of Helgeland

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Drama

    A defining work of Romantic Drama, The Vikings of Helgeland by Henrik Ibsen (first published 1906) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold staging.

  69. The noble lord

    by Percival Wilde · 1953 · One-Act Play

    The noble lord (first published 1953) is a stage play by Percival Wilde, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  70. The reckoning

    by Percival Wilde · 1953 · One-Act Play

    Percival Wilde's The reckoning (first published 1953) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  71. The Miraculous Revenge

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    The Miraculous Revenge (first published 1950) is a stage play by Bernard Shaw, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  72. For Love of the King: A Burmese Masque

    by Oscar Wilde · 1900 · One-Act Play

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, For Love of the King: A Burmese Masque by Oscar Wilde (first published 1900) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold…

  73. Vera; Or, The Nihilists

    by Oscar Wilde · 1900 · Drama

    Vera; Or, The Nihilists (first published 1900) is a stage play by Oscar Wilde, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  74. The Admirable Bashville; Or, Constancy Unrewarded Being the Novel of Cashel Byron's Profession Done into a Stage Play in Three Acts and in Blank Verse, with a Note on Modern Prize Fighting

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, The Admirable Bashville; Or, Constancy Unrewarded Being the Novel of Cashel Byron's Profession Done into a Stage Play in Three Acts and in Blank Verse, with a Note on Modern Prize…

  75. Salomé: A Tragedy in One Act

    by Oscar Wilde · 1900 · Tragedy

    Salomé: A Tragedy in One Act (first published 1900) is a stage play by Oscar Wilde, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  76. Plays by August Strindberg, Third Series

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · Verse Drama

    August Strindberg's Plays by August Strindberg, Third Series (first published 1912) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  77. Plays by August Strindberg, Fourth Series

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · Verse Drama

    August Strindberg's Plays by August Strindberg, Fourth Series (first published 1912) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  78. Plays by August Strindberg, First Series

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · Verse Drama

    A defining work of Romantic Drama, Plays by August Strindberg, First Series by August Strindberg (first published 1912) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold staging.

  79. Alias Santa Claus

    by Percival Wilde · 1953 · Drama

    Percival Wilde's Alias Santa Claus (first published 1953) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  80. The wild duck

    by Henrik Ibsen · 1906 · Verse Drama

    The wild duck (first published 1906) is a stage play by Henrik Ibsen, a touchstone of the Romantic Drama repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  81. Saint Joan

    by Bernard Shaw · 1950 · Drama

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, Saint Joan by Bernard Shaw (first published 1950) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold staging.

  82. Intentions

    by Oscar Wilde · 1900 · Drama

    Intentions (first published 1900) is a stage play by Oscar Wilde, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  83. Miscellanies

    by Oscar Wilde · 1900 · Drama

    A defining work of Realism & Naturalism, Miscellanies by Oscar Wilde (first published 1900) continues to attract directors, dramaturgs, and student companies looking for material that rewards close reading and bold staging.

  84. Legends: Autobiographical Sketches

    by August Strindberg · 1912 · Verse Drama

    August Strindberg's Legends: Autobiographical Sketches (first published 1912) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  85. Redemption and two other plays

    by Leo, graf Tolstoy · 1910 · Verse Drama

    Leo, graf Tolstoy's Redemption and two other plays (first published 1910) is a script directors return to whenever they want a vehicle that combines language of real beauty with characters actors actually fight to play.

  86. The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, Volume I

    by Gerhart Hauptmann · 1946 · Drama

    The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, Volume I (first published 1946) is a stage play by Gerhart Hauptmann, a touchstone of the Realism & Naturalism repertoire that has been performed continuously for generations.

  87. The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, Volume II

    by Gerhart Hauptmann · 1946 · Drama

    Written by Gerhart Hauptmann (first published 1946), The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, Volume II stands as one of the durable works of Realism & Naturalism, regularly revived for its richly playable scenes and theatrically generous structure.

How this list was put together

The selections above were drawn from the full Stage Pages archive of 520 public-domain stage plays. Where ranking is implied by the order, that ranking is editorial — defensible, but not unanimous. Where the list is alphabetical or chronological, we say so.

If you have a candidate we missed, the whole library is one click away from the main scripts index; we add titles to lists as the catalogue grows.